James Carl Allen

James 'Jim' Carl Allen

James 'Jim' Carl Allen, 75, passed away in a Knoxville, TN hospital on Friday, November 17, 2023. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Lee Allen and Ruba Martha Parks Allen, of Cleveland, TN.

He is survived by his siblings; Martha Allen Kidwell of Charleston, TN, Barbara Jean Allen, and Alvin Neil Allen, both of Cleveland, TN; nieces; Tera Billings Witcher (Russ) and son Jackson of Cookeville, Melissa Billings Torbett (Sean) and children, Nathan and Megan of Cohutta, GA; and several cousins and dear friends.

Jim was a 1966 graduate of Bradley Central High School in Cleveland. He received his BS degree in Journalism and played in the University of Tennessee Knoxville "Pride of the Southland Marching Band".

He also received his Master's Degree in Theatre from UTK. He directed many plays at the Bijou Theatre and the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville. One of the plays he directed at the Tennessee Theatre was the world premiere of the ''Tennessee Waltz", written by his long-time friend, Michael Russell. Two other plays of many directed by Jim, were "Auntie Mame" and "All the Way Home", adapted from the James Agee novel, A Death in the Family.

Jim was employed by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra in 1985 in public relations and was involved In the booking of stars and entertainment for many years. He was instrumental in the restoration of the Tennessee Theatre. His next career move took him to Moxley Carmichael, a public relations agency in Knoxville. From there he was hired by TVA, Knoxville, where he was Director of Communications and traveled to TVA sites and wrote many news releases. Jim was instrumental in the planning of the 2013, 80^th Anniversary of TVA, although he retired in 2012.

Jim was an avid lover of music and enjoyed playing his baby grand piano. His idol was Barbra Streisand. He enjoyed New York City trips and many Broadway shows with friends. He loved his boys (his dogs) and he loved his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Poole Funeral Home on 3000 Ralph Buckner Blvd. in Cleveland, TN with Pastor Keith James officiating. Family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Interment will follow the service at Laurel Hill-Lebanon Cemetery at 633 Lebanon Valley Church Rd. SW, Cleveland, TN 37311.